Pledge of Allegiance

American  

noun

1. a solemn oath of allegiance or fidelity to the U.S., beginning, “I pledge allegiance to the flag,” and forming part of many flag-saluting ceremonies in the U.S.

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Pledge of Allegiance Cultural  

1. Also called the “Pledge to the Flag.” The American patriotic vow, which is often recited at formal government ceremonies, including Independence Day ceremonies for new citizens: “I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”

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The phrase under God, added in 1954 (more than sixty years after the pledge was originally published), has inspired heated debate over the separation of church and state.

Example Sentences

In 1954, President Dwight Eisenhower signed a bill adding the phrase “under God” to the Pledge of Allegiance.

From Salon • Jun. 29, 2026

I led everyone gathered in the auditorium in a rousing recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 4, 2026

We also bet that she does not actually make her children say the Pledge of Allegiance at bedtime every night, no matter what she says, because that’s not a thing.

From Slate • Feb. 24, 2024

And they rose again for a roaring recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 7, 2023

That he refused to recite the Pledge of Allegiance.

From "Becoming" by Michelle Obama